Donmar Warehouse actor in hospital after being shot on stage

Immediate shows cancelled after blank-firing fake gun injures eye of David Birrell in Sondheim's Passion production

Passion by Stephen Sondheim at the Donmar Warehouse has had some performances cancelled after actor David Birell (not pictured) was accidentally shot in the eye during one scene. Photograph: Johan Persson

He was taken to University College hospital by ambulance and is still being treated.

The theatre's management released a statement saying they had decided to suspend performances until Thursday this week.

The musical, billed as a "haunting story of desire, sacrifice and redemption", features the use of fake guns during one scene.

Staff are now investigating how the incident occurred, but reports suggest there may have been a problem with the weapon, which is meant to fire blanks.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said that they had been called to the Covent Garden theatre at 4.15pm on Saturday and had treated a 35-year-old man before taking him to hospital.

A theatre spokeswoman said the Saturday matinee was completed. In a statement, she said: "During the matinee performance of Passion on Saturday, David Birrell sustained an injury to his eye for which he is currently being treated in hospital.

"Our priorities are to David's wellbeing and recovery; and to theatregoers who have purchased tickets for performances in the coming days.

"We are cancelling the show, Monday to Wednesday, and then hope to resume performances from Thursday. We will, of course, refund patrons who are unable to see the production."

Birrell, who plays Colonel Ricci in the musical, was reportedly seen being stretchered from the theatre.

The actor has appeared in West End hit Spamalot, as well as guest roles in Midsomer Murders and Heartbeat.